Comparison of oncological and functional results of robotic and open perineal radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the functional and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent open perineal radical prostatectomy (OPP) and robotic perineal radical prostatectomy (RPP) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The data of patients who underwent OPP and RPP from June 2016 to February 2019 due to localized PCa were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and oncological results of the patients were recorded. In addition, the incontinence status of the patients immediately after catheter removal and at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were compared. Potency status was evaluated among the patients with preoperative potency, and 12th month potency status was compared. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included, of whom 58 (43%) were in the OPP group and 77 (57%) were in the RPP group. The operation time was statistically significantly shorter in the OPP group (83.90 ± 15.48 vs. 110.88 ± 28.10 min, p = 0.001). The amount of bleeding was significantly lower in the RPP group (59.51 ± 22.04 vs. 74.06 ± 17.66, p = 0.002). The continence rates evaluated at the early period, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months were 40.3%, 80.5%, 87.0%, and 90.9%, respectively, for the RPP group and 36.2%, 70.7%, 86.2%, and 89.7%, for the OPP group, indicating no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 12th month rates of postoperative potency according to the surgical technique (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although differences were observed between the OPP and RPP techniques in terms of perioperative parameters, oncological and functional results were similar.

A comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed in the supine and prone positions for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones: a single-center experience.

Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL), which has a smaller tract size (14-20 Fr) than conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy, has been shown to be safe and effective in pediatric patients with large and complex upper urinary tract stones. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of MPCNL between the supine and prone positions in a pediatric population. The data of pediatric patients who underwent MPCNL at our center between January 2010 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical position, the patients were divided into the prone (Group P) and supine (Group S) groups. In both groups, dilatation was performed using 14-18 Fr metallic dilators. The two groups were compared in terms of perioperative data, postoperative stone-free rates (SFRs), and complications. There were 36 (59%) patients in Group P and 25 (41%) patients in Group S. Stones were mostly located in the pelvis (49.2%) and second most frequently in the lower pole (27.9%). Fluoroscopy time was shorter in Group S but did not statistically significantly differ compared to Group P (p = 0.181). However, operation time was statistically significantly shorter in Group S (73.8 ± 35 vs. 99.8 ± 37.4 min, p = 0.008). Although there was no significant difference, relatively higher SFR were detected in Group S (88% vs. 83%, p = 0.725). Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) was performed on six (24%) patients in Group S, and the SFR was 100% among these patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the presence of complications (16.7% vs. 16%, p = 0.945). Both supine and prone MPCNL appear to be safe and effective in the pediatric age group, with similar stone-free and complication rates. In the supine procedure, the operation time is shortened compared to the prone. In addition, simultaneous retrograde access has the potential to increase the overall success rate of surgery.

Adaptation of the professionalism mini-evaluation exercise instrument into Turkish: a validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing search for standardized scales appropriate for each culture to evaluate professionalism, which is one of the basic competencies of a physician. The Professionalism Mini-evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) instrument was originally developed in Canada to meet this need. In this study, it was aimed to adapt the P-MEX to Turkish and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version. METHODS: A total of 58 residents at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital were assessed with the Turkish version of P-MEX by 24 raters consisting of faculty members, attending physicians, peer residents, and nurses during patient room visits, outpatient clinic and group practices. For construct validity, the confirmatory factor analysis was performed. For reliability, Cronbach's alpha scores were calculated. Generalizibility and decision studies were undertaken to predict the reliability of the validated tool under different conditions. After the administration of P-MEX was completed, the participants were asked to provide feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the instrument. RESULTS: A total of 696 forms were obtained from the administration of P-MEX. The content validity of P-MEX was found to be appropriate by the faculty members. In the confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure of the 24-item Turkish scale, the goodness-of-fit parameters were calculated as follows: CFI = 0.675, TLI = 0.604, and RMSEA = 0.089. In the second stage, the factors on which the items loaded were changed without removing any item, and the model was modified. For the modified model, the CFI, TLI, and RMSEA values were calculated as 0.857, 0.834, and 0.057, respectively. The decision study on the results obtained from the use of P-MEX in a Turkish population revealed the necessity to perform this evaluation 18 times to correctly evaluate professionalism with this instrument. Cronbach's alpha score was 0.844. All the faculty members provided positive feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the adapted P-MEX. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that the Turkish version of P-MEX had sufficient validity and reliability in assessing professionalism among residents. Similarly, the acceptability and feasibility of the instrument were found to be high, and it had a positive impact on education. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 2020/249, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital.

The Predictive Factors of Renal Loss After Iatrogenic Ureteral Avulsion in the Medicolegal Perspective.

Objectives: As an effective and minimally invasive technique, ureteroscopy has some potential intraoperative complications. Ureteral avulsion is among these complications, although rare. This study aimed to determine factors predicting nephrectomy by considering ureteral avulsion from a medicolegal perspective for the 1st time in the literature. Methods: A total of 33 patients with ureteral avulsion during ureteroscopic surgery, who presented to various hospitals in Turkey between September 2004 and April 2019 and whose cases were being reviewed at the Institution of Forensic Medicine with regard to malpractice, were evaluated retrospectively. The patients who underwent nephrectomy after ureteral avulsion were evaluated as Group 1, and those who underwent reconstructive surgery as Group 2. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.5±12.1 years. Seventeen (51.5%) patients had partial and 16 (48.4%) had complete ureteral avulsion. Nephrectomy was performed in 14 (42.4%) patients, and ureteral reconstruction in 19 (57.5%) patients. It was determined that the patients in Group 1 had more proximal stones and a higher degree of hydronephrosis compared to Group 2. Complete avulsion developed in 71.4% of the patients in Group 1 and in 31.6% of those in Group 2. After avulsion, 78.6% of the patients in Group 1 were treated in a state hospital, and 63.2% of those in Group 2 were treated in a tertiary referral hospital. The increase in the degree of hydronephrosis, presence of complete avulsion, and intervention at a state hospital were determined as independent predictive factors for nephrectomy. Conclusion: This is the first study with the largest cohort in the literature to medicolegally evaluate ureteral avulsion and determine predictive factors for nephrectomy. Although each patient should be treated with different methods in the presence of ureteral avulsion, our study aimed to provide a common approach to this catastrophic complication.

Prediction of infective complications after retrograde intra renal surgery using Machine learning.

BACKGROUND: To compare the models obtained with classical statistical methods and machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict postoperative infective complications (PICs) after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent RIRS between January 2014 and December 2020 were retrospectively screened. Patients who did not develop PICs were classified as Group 1 and patients who developed as Group 2. RESULTS: Three-hundred and twenty-two patients were included in the study; 279 patients (86.6%) who did not develop PICs were classified as Group 1, and 43 patients (13.3%) who developed PICs were classified as Group 2. In multivariate analysis, the presence of diabetes mellitus, preoperative nephrostomy, and stone density were determined to be factors that significantly predicted the development of PICs. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model obtained by classical Cox regression analysis was 0.785, and the sensitivity and specificity were 74% and 67%, respectively. With the Random Forest, K- Nearest Neighbour, and Logistic Regression methods, the AUC was calculated as 0.956, 0.903, and 0.849, respectively. RF's sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 87% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: With ML, more reliable and predictive models can be created than with classical statistical methods.

Comparison of oncological and functional outcomes of perineoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

The aim of this study is to compare the functional, oncological, and complication outcomes of perineoscopic radical prostatectomy (PeRP) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) operations. Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between October 2018 and June 2020 for localized prostate cancer (N0, < T3) were retrospectively screened. After the exclusion criteria, 56 patients who underwent PeRP and 67 patients who underwent RARP remained in the study. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected. In functional outcomes, continence and potency status were compared at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean age of the patients was 61.3 ± 5.9 years in the PeRP group and 62.2 ± 5.7 years in the RARP group. No statistically significant differences were present between preoperative and postoperative values. Among the perioperative findings, the mean operation time was 90.4 ± 11.2 min for the PeRP group and 114.6 ± 14.7 min for the RARP group. The operation time was shorter in the PeRP group. The average hospital stay was 2 ± 0.6 days in the PeRP group and 2.3 ± 0.5 days in the RARP group. It was significantly shorter in the PeRP group. There is no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the oncological and functional results. PeRP is a surgical procedure safe in low-risk patients with medium-risk prostate cancer (PCa) who do not require lymph-node dissection. Moreover, PeRP minimizes the difficulties of perineal surgery.

A Critical Analysis of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesion Diameter Threshold for Adverse Pathology Features.

To investigate the relationship between lesion size determined using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and histopathological findings of specimens obtained after mpMRI fusion biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP). We retrospectively analysed 290 patients with PCa who underwent an MRI fusion biopsy. We measured the diameter of suspicious tumour lesions on diffusion-weighted mpMRI and stratified the cohort into two groups. Group A included patients with a suspicious tumour lesion 10 mm and Group B included those with a suspicious tumour lesion > 10 mm. In Group B, the PI-RADS score determined in mpMRI was higher than Group A, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of clinical T-stage. The PCa detection rate and the number of positive cores were statistically significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in relation to the biopsy, the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade values, and the presence of clinically significant PCa. In Group B, pathological T-stage and extraprostatic extension (EPE) and surgical margin (SM) positivity were found to be higher among the patients who underwent RP. In the multivariate analysis, the mpMRI lesion size being > 10 mm was found to be an independent predictive factor for SM and EPE positivity. The clinical results of this study support the modification of the lesion size threshold as 10 mm for use in the differentiation of PI-RADS scores 4 and 5.

The effect of single or multiple arteries in the donor kidney on renal transplant surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: As the number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is increasing, but there are not enough living donors, it is necessary to broaden the criteria for candidates who can undergo donor nephrectomy. Thanks to surgeons' increasing experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LND), multiple renal artery grafts, previously considered a relative contraindication to donor nephrectomy, have become candidates for LDN. We aimed to compare the outcomes of donors and recipients with single artery and with multiple arteries in LDN. METHODS: A total of 214 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the number of donor arteries: donors with one artery (group 1) and donors with multiple arteries (group 2). The number of donor arteries, operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), cold ischemia time (CIT), arterial anastomosis time, venous anastomosis time, the extent of bleeding, and preoperative complications were recorded to evaluate the preoperative data. RESULTS: The mean operation time in group 1 was 90.3 ± 11.8 min, while in group 2, it was 102.1 ± 5.5 min (p = 0.000). WIT group 1 was 90.9 ± 4.3 s and group 2 100.6 ± 2.1 s (p = 0.000). Arterial anastomosis time was 12.25 ± 3.8 in group 1 and 22.5 ± 4.5 in group 2 (p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in other parameters. CONLUSION: Increasing the number of donor arteries in renal transplantation (RT) operations prolonged the operation time on both the donor and recipient sides. Still, it had no negative impact on complications or graft function in the postoperative period.

Comparison of Incision Types Used for Kidney Extraction in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is the most commonly used method for kidney removal in kidney transplantation and, various incisions are used for kidney extraction. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of LDN operations using iliac fossa incision and Pfannenstiel incision. MATERIAL AND METHOD: LDN cases performed in our institute between June 2016 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with previous abdominal surgery, bleeding coagulation disorders, ectopic kidneys, and patients who were converted to perioperative open surgery were excluded. Demographic data of the patients, operation times, warm ischemia times, complications were recorded and the patients were divided into two groups according to incision types. RESULTS: After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 203 patients were included in the study. Iliac fossa incision was used in 65% of the patients and the Pfannenstiel incision was used in 35% of the patients to remove the donor's kidney. There were no difference in age, body mass index, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores between the two groups. Operation time and warm ischemia time were significantly longer in the Pfannenstiel group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.016 respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of bleeding amount, length of hospital stay, need for narcotic analgesic, visual analog scale scores, and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Both types of incisions can be used successfully and safely for the extraction of the kidney in LDN. Although WIT and operation time has been observed to be longer when a Pfannenstiel incision is made, complications and analgesic use are not different between Pfannenstiel incisions and iliac fossa incisions.

Testicular salvage: using machine learning algorithm to develop a predictive model in testicular torsion.

PURPOSE: To compare the models developed with a classical statistics method and a machine learning model to predict the possibility of orchiectomy using preoperative parameters in patients who were admitted with testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent scrotal exploration due to testicular torsion between the years 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, features of admission time, and other preoperative clinical findings were recorded. Cox Regression Analysis as a classical statistics method and Random Forest as a Machine Learning algorithm was used to create a prediction model. RESULTS: Among patients, 215 (71.6%) were performed orchidopexy and 85 (28.3%) were performed orchiectomy. The multivariate analysis revealed that monocyte count, symptom duration, and the number of previous Doppler ultrasonography were predictive of orchiectomy. Classical Cox regression analysis had an area under the curve (AUC) 0.937 with a sensitivity and specificity of 88 and 87%. The AUC for the Random Forest model was 0.95 with a sensitivity and specificity of 92 and 89%. CONCLUSION: The ML model outperformed the conventional statistical regression model in the prediction of orchiectomy. The ML methods are cheap, and their powers increase with increasing data input; we believe that their clinical use will increase over time.

Pre-Operative Parameters Predicting Hemoglobin Decline Related to Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for upper urinary tract stones is a minimally invasive, effective treatment modality. Despite its high success rates, its potential complications pose a risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors associated with bleeding which is one of PNL's most important complications. Methods: The data of patients who underwent PNL between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The median reduction in post-operative hemoglobin levels compared to preoperative levels was found to be 1.6 g/dl, which was accepted as the threshold value. The patients with hemoglobin decrease above the threshold were assigned as Group 1, and below the threshold as Group 2. Pre-operative, perioperative data, and stone characteristics of the patients were recorded. Results: 169 patients, 85 patients in Group 1 and 84 patients in Group 2 were included in the study. The mean age of Group 1 was significantly higher (47.4±7.9 and 32±9.4 years, respectively, p=0.001) Sixteen in Group 1 (18.8%) and six in Group 2 (7, 1%) had a diagnosis of hypertension (HT) and a significant difference was found (p=0.038). The average stone burden was 2733±1121.3 mm3 in Group 1, and 2326.5±975.6 mm3 in Group 2. It was observed that there was a significantly higher stone burden in Group 1 (p=0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of mean operation time (84.4±7 and 76.2±9.9 min, respectively, p<0.001). When the complication rates were analyzed, complications were observed in 25 (29.4%) patients in Group 1 and 12 (14.2%) patients in Group 2, and a significant difference was found between both groups (p=0.019). Age and HT were found to be significant independent risk factors associated with hemoglobin decline in multivariate analyzes (p<0.001 and p<0.027, respectively). Conclusion: In this study; advanced age, presence of HT, and high stone burden were found to be predictive of reductions in hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, a correlation of decreased hemoglobin levels was detected with operative times and occurrence of complications.

The role of penile elastography in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to measure the change in penile stiffness by evaluating corpus cavernosum (CC) with shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Material and methods: Seventy outpatient patients aged 50-80 years who were diagnosed with COPD were evaluated using SWE. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire (IIEF-5 >17: Group A, IIEF-5 <17: Group B). The measurements were made in both transverse and longitudinal sections. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 ±7.9 years. The duration of COPD was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.003). The mean SWE values of right transverse mid-portion of corpus penis (RTM) and left transverse mid-portion of corpus penis (LTM) in Group B (21.1 ±5.6 kPa and 20.8 ±4.8 kPa, respectively) were significantly higher than in Group A (15.2 ±2.3 kPa and 15.8 ±2.7 kPa, respectively); (p <0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between IIEF-5 scores and the duration of COPD (p <0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between IIEF values and RTM and LTM values of the patients (p <0.05 and p <0.05, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of COPD and both RTM and LTM values (p <0.05 and p <0.05, respectively). Conclusions: In our study, according to the SWE findings, we showed the effect of systemic changes created by COPD on penile tissue and the negative effect of this on erectile function in patients.

99mTc-PSMA targeted robot-assisted radioguided surgery during radical prostatectomy and extended lymph node dissection of prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of tracer production of 99mtechnetium (Tc)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-I&S sterile cold kit, imaging with single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and 99mTc-PSMA-radioguided robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (99mTc-PSMA-RG-RALRP) technique for lymph node (LN) dissection of primary prostate cancer (PCa) patients were evaluated prospectively. METHODS: Fifteen primary PCa patients with intermediate- or high-risk score according to D'Amico risk stratification who had PSMA receptor affinity with Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT were enrolled. After 99mTc-PSMA-I&S injection and SPECT/CT imaging, 99mTc-PSMA-RG-RALRP with DaVinci XI robotic platform and laparoscopic gamma probe were performed. Radioactive rating of resected tissue was compared with post-operative histopathology. Physiological and pathological uptakes of organs and tissues for both imaging modalities were compared. RESULTS: Physiological radiotracer distribution was similar for both imaging modalities. PCa lesions were much more visible on PET/CT. Metastatic LNs could not be visualized with SPECT/CT. Eighteen of 297 totally dissected LNs were metastatic, which were exactly the same with per-operative probe counts with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predictive value of all 100%. The median follow-up was 23.5 ± 4.6 months. tPSA reduction was > 98%. The 2.5 years biochemical recurrence-free survival, PCa-specific treatment-free survival and overall survival rates were 86,7%, 66,7% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tc-99 m-PSMA-RG-RALRP is a promising technique for extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) during robotic surgery, which may shorten the operation time and reduce complication risks. If LN metastases is detected during surgery with PSMA-targeted probe, it may be an early indicator of PCa-spesific treatment planning. Tc-99 m-PSMA-I&S SPECT/CT is not as successful as Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT for diagnosis of primary PCA lesions or LN metastases.

Relationship of MRI-measured pelvimetric dimensions and surgical positions with anaesthesia parameters in robotic perineal prostatectomy. / Influencia entre las dimensiones pélvicas medidas por RMN y las posiciones quirúrgicas en parámetros anestésicos durante la prostatectomía radical robótica perineal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Theaim of this study was to determine the effect formedby pelvic diameters preoperatively measured throughmultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) and different surgical positions on anesthesiaparameters used during perineal robot-assisted radicalprostatectomy (p-RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six different pelvimetricdimensions were determined preoperatively.Respiratory and hemodynamic variables of the patientswere measured separately and repeatedly in thesupine position, exaggerated lithotomy position at thebeginning of the 15° Trendelenburg position and the60th minute of insufflation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in thepartial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in the exaggeratedlithotomy position compared to the supine position.There was no significant change in the partial pressureof carbon dioxide (PCO2) in the exaggerated lithotomyposition compared to the supine position. In the 60thminute of insufflation, there was a significant increasein the PCO2 compared to the supine and exaggerated lithotomy positions. There was no statistically significantchange in the end-tidal carbon dioxide tension(EtCO2), with surgical position or insufflation time. Asignificant negative correlation was observed betweenthe distance of the ischial spines (ISD) and PCO2 change,and a significant positive correlation was observedbetween the angle of the symphysis pubis-seminalvesicles (ASS) and PCO2 change. A significant positivecorrelation was observed between the ASS value andEtCO2 change between the 60th minute of insufflationand exaggerated lithotomy position. CONCLUSION: In our study, the effect caused by differingpelvimetric diameters, surgical positions, andduration of anesthesia during p-RARP on anesthesiaparameters were shown.

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: Determinarel efecto de los diámetros pélvicos preoperatoriosmedidos a través de la resonancia magnética multiparamétrica(RMNmp) y las diferentes posicionesquirúrgicas en los parámetros anestésicos durante laprostatectomía radical perineal. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se midieron seis dimensionespélvicas preoperatorias diferentes. Las variablesrespiratorias y hemodinámicas se midieron de formaseparada y repetida en las posiciones de decúbito supino,litotomía forzada al inicio del Trendelemburg a15º y a los 60min de insuflación. RESULTADOS: Se registró un aumento significativo dela presión parcial de oxigeno (PaO2) en litotomía forzada comparada a la posición de decúbito supino. Nohubo cambios significativos en la presión de dióxidode carbono (PCO2) en litotomía forzada comparada condecúbito supino. A los 60min de insuflación, hubo unaumento significativo de la PCO2 comparado con decúbitosupino y litotomía forzada. No hubo cambiossignificativos en la presión máxima de CO2 al final dela espiración (EtCO2) con las posiciones o el tiempo deinsuflación. Se observó una correlación negativa entrela distancia entre las espinas isquiáticas (EEII) y elcambio de PCO2, mientras que se observó correlaciónpositiva entre el ángulo de la sínfisis del pubis-vesículasseminales y el cambio de PCO2. Una correlaciónpositiva se observó entre el valor del ángulo sínfisispubis-vesículas seminales y EtCO2 con respecto a lainsuflación al minuto 60 y la litotomía forzada. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro estudio se demuestra lainfluencia de los diámetros pélvicos, las posicionesquirúrgicas y la duración de la anestesia en los parámetrosanestésicos durante la prostatectomía radicalrobótica perineal.

Factors affecting length of stay in Fournier's gangrene: a retrospective analysis of 10 years' data.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the parameters that have an effect on the length of stay and mortality rates of patients with Fournier's gangrene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 80 patients who presented to the emergency department and underwent emergency debridement with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene between 2008 and 2017. The demographic and clinical characteristics, length of stay, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score, cystostomy and colostomy requirement, additional treatment for wound healing and the mortality rates of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients included in the study, 65 (81.2 %) were male and 15 (18.7 %) female. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus. The mean time between onset of complaints and admission to hospital was 4.6 ±â€Š2.5 days. As a result of the statistical analyses, it was found that Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy and the presence of sepsis and colostomy were significantly positively correlated with length of stay. Also it was found that the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score, administration of negative pressure wound therapy and the presence of sepsis were correlated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a mortal disease and an emergency condition. With the improvements in Fournier's gangrene disease management, mortality rates are decreasing, but long-term hospital stay has become a new problem. Knowing the values predicting length of stay and mortality rates can allow for patient-based treatment and may be useful in treatment choice.

Evaluation of the efficacies of methylphenidate and biofeedback treatments in giggle incontinence: One-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Giggle incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence (GI) that occurs with laughing due to the urinary bladder's involuntary contraction leading to complete emptying. There are studies in the literature that biofeedback therapy or methylphenidate can be effective in the treatment of this condition. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacies of biofeedback therapy and methylphenidate treatment in patients with GI. STUDY DESIGN: In this non-randomized observational study, children aged 5-18 years who were diagnosed with GI between January 2014 and December 2019 were included in the study. Patients who were treated by biofeedback were assigned to Group 1, while patients who were given methylphenidate treatment were placed in Group 2. Patients in Group 1 were treated with biofeedback, which was planned once a week for four weeks and once a month for the following two months. They continued their pelvic floor strengthening exercises at home for the following nine months. Patients in Group 2 were prescribed 5 mg oral methylphenidate qid for three months. Patients in both groups were followed up with 3-month intervals within a year. The results were classified as complete response, partial response or no response as per The International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) recommendations. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 38 patients with GI. Mean age of the patients was 7.7 (5-11). Among these patients, 31 (81.5%) were female, while 7 (18.4%) were male. Two groups were similar regarding mean patient age and gender distribution. There was no difference between the two groups regarding treatment responses evaluated during the 1st, 3rd, and 6th-month outpatient clinic encounters (p > 0.05). However, treatment responses assessed during the 12th-month outpatient clinic encounter revealed 15 (94.1%) patients with complete response in Group 1, while there were 10 (55.6%) patients who showed complete response in Group 2, with a significant difference (p = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Our study showed that treatment responses were reduced after discontinuation of methylphenidate. We achieved high complete response rates in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth-month assessments by biofeedback treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly more favorable treatment outcomes were achieved with biofeedback therapy than methylphenidate treatment after completion of 1-year. Multi-center, randomized studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Evaluation of Retinal and Choroidal Microcirculation Alterations After a Single Dose of Oral 5-mg Tadalafil: A Prospective Pilot Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a single dose of oral 5-mg tadalafil on macular microcirculation as measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography (OCTA) in healthy volunteers. Methods: Twenty-two healthy, middle-aged, sexually active, and male health care worker volunteers were included in this prospective study. All volunteers have a history of occasionally using off-label 5 mg tadalafil to enhance sexual performance. Superficial and deep capillary plexus vascular densities, foveal avascular zone parameters, outer retina, and choriocapillaris flow areas were performed using the OCTA, and subfoveal-choroidal thickness (CT) was performed by using the OCT. Measurements were performed preintake, 30 min, 1, 4, 24 h, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days after the intake of tadalafil off-label. Results: Twenty-two eyes of 22 male volunteers were included in the study. The mean age was 37.16 ± 4.52 years. At 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h after intake, a statistically significant increase was observed in the choriocapillaris flow area and CT compared with preintake (Friedman test, P = 0.034 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that a single dose of oral 5-mg tadalafil causes an increase in choriocapillaris flow and CT. To evaluate the effects of tadalafil on the retina and choroid, an OCTA assessment may be helpful.

A nationwide survey on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on minimal invasive surgery in urology practice.

OBJECTIVE: The beta-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the clinical approach of 93% of urologists worldwide, and this situation has affected the use of laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic methods, which are known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MIS in urology practice at national level. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 234 urologists in Turkey participated in an online survey between August 22 and September 23, 2020. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to determine the participants' demographic characteristics and responses to multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: While 54% of urologists stated that they were concerned about the possibility that the patients planned to undergo MIS were carrying COVID-19 or false-negative for the virus, 51% considered that open surgery was safer than MIS in this regard. The pandemic led to a difference in the preferences of 40% of the urologists in relation to open or MIS methods, and during the pandemic, 39% of the urologists always directed their patients to open surgery. It was determined that during the pandemic, there was a statistical decrease in the intensity and weekly application of MIS methods among all surgical procedures compared to the pre-pandemic (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). MIS was preferred for oncological operations by 97.3% of the urologists during the pandemic, with the most performed operation being radical nephrectomy (90.7%). Among oncological operations, radical prostatectomy was most frequently postponed. To prevent virus transmission during MIS, 44% of the urologists reported that they always used an additional evacuation system and 52% took additional precautions. There were a total of 27 healthcare workers who took part in MIS and tested positive for COVID-19 after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of operations has decreased during the ongoing pandemic, MIS is a method that can be preferred due to its limited contamination and mortality in urology practice provided that safety measures are taken and guideline recommendations are followed.

Testicular torsion in the medicolegal perspective: Why is the diagnosis missing?

BACKGROUND: By examining patients with testicular torsion (TT) that caused problems in medicolegal terms, the present study aims to define markers causing medical neglect or malpractice in similar conditions and perform a retrospective examination to characterize the medical aspects of patients with TT. METHODS: In this study, 53 patients who underwent orchiectomy for TT following interventions made between 2004 and 2019 in different hospitals of Turkey and had satisfactory clinical findings in their files based on medicolegal inspections were included. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was nine years. Twenty-three (43.4%) of the patients had TT on the left side, 29 (54.7%) had TT on the right side, and one (1,9%) patient had bilateral TT. It was noticed that 31 (58.5%) patients had epididymo-orchitis (EO), seven patients had (13.2%) urinary infection, five (9.4%) patients had a hydrocele, and four (7.5%) patients had renal colic, and the others had testicle contusion, gastroenteritis, inguinal hernia, and acute appendicitis as misdiagnoses. The mean time that passed between admission and TT diagnosis was detected as 59±11.2 hours. A statistically significant relation was detected between the branch of the physician who first evaluated the patients and the presence of performing scrotal examination and imaging during admission. The ratio of physical scrotal examinations by emergency service physicians was lower than with the urologists. Among the preliminary examiner allowed to be an advanced evaluation for the possibility of missing diagnosis by an independent specialist physicians, 25 (47.2%) were urologists, 22 (41.5%) were emergency service physicians, four (7.5%) were pediatricians, and two (3.8%) were radiologists. CONCLUSION: Physicians should perform the required evaluations for a suitable diagnosis and treatment by putting aside their medicolegal concerns and prevent the problems by giving priority to patient health. For the correct diagnosis and proper management of TT, it is necessary to increase the information levels of physicians, and patients should be explored urgently in the event of any clinical suspicion.

Perineoscopic vesicourethral reconstruction: A novel surgical technique for anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) is frequently seen after prostate surgery because of various operative and postoperative factors. In this study, we aimed to present our results of perineoscopic bladder neck reconstruction, which is a new technique of the perineal approach in the treatment of patients with VUAS after prostate cancer surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent perineoscopic bladder neck reconstruction in our clinic between July 2017 and March 2019 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, surgical history, postoperative continence status, and additional treatment requirements were recorded. Perineoscopic surgery is defined as the visualization of the surgical site with instruments used in laparoscopy and the surgeon performing the entire operative procedure through the screen. RESULTS: The mean number of preoperative endoscopic bladder neck resections of the patients was 7±5.1, with a history of suprapubic cystostomy in 7 (43.7%) and radiotherapy in 5 (31.2%) patients before surgery. The mean surgical time was 126.2±13.1 min. The mean follow-up period was 13.2±6.8 months, and the success rate was 81.25%. During follow-up, two (12.5%) patients received perineoscopic re-do reconstruction because of stricture recurrence, and one (6.2%) patient was included in a urethral dilatation program. CONCLUSION: Improving visualization and ergonomics with the perineoscopic approach can increase the success rate of bladder neck reconstruction in comparison with the standard approach. In addition, the lack of need for expanded dissection (corporal separation, inferior pubectomy) reduces postoperative complication rates.